Abstract: Oil-water separation apparatus and method employing a velocity head diffusion baffle facing upwardly and towards the feed end of a separator tank to which feed flow is directed. The separator tank comprises a relatively turbulent inlet section and a relatively large separator section and the baffle tends to isolate inlet turbulence from the separator section. Furthermore, the baffle tends to reduce flow turbulence in the separator section and to distribute flow of the inlet stream over the entire width of the tank. The baffle tends to improve the separation of solids and any immiscible liquids which are susceptible to gravity separation.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for separating liquids and particularly water and oil. The separating apparatus includes a tank containing two coalescent cells or units, one of which receives the liquids directly from a supply pipe and immediately disperses the liquids through a perforate recess into the cell. The liquids are partly separated in that cell and further in the second cell. Oil is separated from the top of the tank into a separate chamber and water is separated from the bottom into another chamber from which it is discharged and can be recirculated. The cells, which contain bodies with a high surface-to-weight ratio and are made of a material having an affinity for oil, are readily removable from the system for cleaning or replacement of the bodies.

Abstract: A cloudy liquid to be clarified is inserted, after twice receiving flocculation additive, into the bottom of a belt of sludge (4a) in a clarification chamber (4) via a plurality of injectors (22) distributed over the area of said chamber. Uniform distribution of overall flow between these injectors is ensured by internal head loss. The clarified liquid is removed via an upper overflow (4b). Each injector is constituted by a flat cyclone and forms a jet which is highly diverting from its vertical axis in such a manner that the injected flowrate spreads out over an expansion zone belonging to said injector and meeting the expansion zones of adjacent injectors. Further, these jets set up swirling motion which prevents the formation of a layer of sludge having insufficient permeability. The sludge formed in the chamber (4) is directed via a central well (7) towards a secondary clarification stage (3) situated beneath said chamber and supplying both clarified liquid and dense sludge.

Abstract: Apparatus for purifying water containing material dissolved and/dispersed therein. The apparatus comprises an upflow reactor in which, while maintaining a sludge blanket, the water to be purified can be contacted with one or more agents bringing the dissolved and/or dispersed material into a form in which it can be separated from the water; means for the discharge of the purified water from the apparatus; and an influent distributing system to be connected to a central water supply system. The influent distributing system includes a plurality of tube members assembled to form one or more strings. The strings have outlet openings through which the water to be purified can be introduced into the reactor space at a plurality of spaced locations.

Abstract: An oil-water separator includes a vessel having an inlet for the oil and water mixture. A vertical conduit positioned in the vessel has an inlet near the bottom of the vessel. A horizontal conduit is sealingly coupled between the vertical conduit and a first opening in the vessel wall at a level above the inlet to the vertical conduit. The first opening defines a water outlet. A second opening in a wall of the vessel above the level of the first opening defines an oil outlet. The inlet for the oil and water mixture can include a diffuser to prevent turbulence caused by air and high velocity liquid flow.

Abstract: Continuous, noncentrifugal, unit gravity, sedimentation process and apparatus for carrying out the process, for separating blood into an erythrocyte-enriched plasma fraction and a leukocyte/platelet-enriched plasma fraction.

Abstract: A clarifier for treatment of water and other liquids including a housing having a generally channel shaped member having an inlet arm and an outlet arm. The inlet arm forms a flocculation zone and the outlet arm forms a settling zone.The inlet arm may be provided with means for causing influent to travel a tortuous or serpentine flow path and the settling zone may include settling means so as to increase the effective surface area of the settling zone. Suitably both the inlet arm and outlet arm are substantially parallel to each other with the inlet arm being spaced from and located upwardly of the outlet arm.A sludge collection zone may be provided at the junction of the inlet arm and the outlet arm and may have associated therewith one or more sludge removal conduits.

Abstract: A side skimmer provided in a channel containing flowing liquid includes a skimmer mechanism and a skimmer drain. The skimmer mechanism includes a fixed portion secured in a hinge-like manner to one side of the channel and aligned with an obstruction located partially across the channel width, and a movable wing-like portion extending above and below the liquid surface. This mechanism selectively deflects the flow into the drain, and is movable between a closed position, which allows free flow between the mechanism in the channel side and the obstruction, and an open position between the fixed portion and the obstruction, which directs flow to the skimmer drain. The skimmer drain is vertically movable between a closed position above the liquid surface, and an open position just below the surface whereby floating matter is removed.

Abstract: A technique for continuous gravity separation of a produced oil and water emulsion has particular utility in separating water for reinjection during a waterflood secondary recovery operation without loss of saleable oil. The method employs a flow direction means to introduce the produced oil-water emulsion into a large volume settling tank substantially tangential to the tank wall and then withdraws the separated oil and water. The apparatus of the instant invention comprises: (a) a tank, (b) an oil-water inlet means, (c) a flow direction means connected to the oil-water inlet means to direct the oil-water emulsion into the settling tank tangential to the tank wall, (d) a bottom-center located water outlet pipe, and (e) an oil outlet pipe.

Abstract: An effluent precipitation and neutralization chamber is useful for treating x-ray photographic chemicals prior to discharging them into a drain. Desilvered photographic fixer is mixed with spent developer within the chamber. The resulting iron precipitates settle to the bottom of the chamber or adhere to ribbon-like flow restrictors within the chamber. Relatively clear fluid of approximately neutral pH concentration is discharged to the drain. The chamber is openable for removing and properly disposing of the iron precipitates.

Abstract: A system for separating two immiscible liquids of different specific gravities, such as oil and water. The system includes a gravity separator and oil-contaminated water is continually pumped into the separator tank by a main pump and is impinged against an inclined baffle which directs the water upwardly toward the top of the tank. Larger droplets of oil are collected as a layer in the upper end of the tank, while the effluent is discharged from the lower end of the tank to a coalescer unit, where residual oil is removed from the water. A liquid level sensor is located in the upper end of the separator tank and when the collected layer of oil reaches the level of the sensor, the sensor discontinues operation of the main pump and operates an oil pump to discharge the collected layer of oil from the separator tank to an oil recovery location. The oil collected in the coalescer unit is recirculated and mixed with the oil-contaminated water being introduced into the separator tank.

Abstract: This invention is an improved distribution joint used in conjunction with septic tank absorption field systems. The invention more particularly divides and accurately controls the distribution of septic tank effluent into separate portions of the absorption fields while eliminating the buildup of flow disrupting sediment on the divider by providing a unique flow pattern thereover.

Abstract: A solid-liquid slurry, particularly sugar juice, is flocculated and clarified in an arrangement including a clarifier tank containing therein a mud bed of concentrated removed solids. A preflocculating vessel extends into the top of the clarifier tank and includes upper and lower chambers. The slurry is introduced into the upper chamber to flow turbulently therein, thereby deaerating the slurry. The slurry is transferred from the upper chamber to the lower chamber while the turbulent flow of the slurry is changed to a laminar flow. A flocculating agent, for example a suitable polymer, is introduced into the slurry, such that solids of the slurry coagulate as flocs in the lower chamber. The thus preflocculated slurry is introduced directly into the clarifier tank at a level beneath the surface of the mud bed therein. The liquid of the slurry percolates upwardly through the mud bed and is filtered, thus forming clarified liquid, and the flocs of solids settle downwardly into and form the mud bed.

Abstract: An electroplating solution recovery system is disclosed which includes an electroplating tank containing an electroplating solution and one or more rinse tanks containing rinse solutions. A tubular interconnection extends between a first of the rinse tanks and the electroplating tank and is operative for transferring rinse solution from the first rinse tank to the electroplating tank by a siphoning process when the level in the plating tank is significantly lower than the level in the rinse tank. Additional tubular interconnections extend between the other rinse tanks for interconnecting them in series relation so that the solution in the tanks is automatically replenished as it is consumed, the solution level in the last tank in the series, however, being replenished from a continuous water supply. Maximum recovery of plating solution is assured by the system, and the pollution levels in the overflow effluent from the last rinse tank are minimized.

Abstract: Improved results can be obtained in lamella separators having a liquid feed at the base of the lamella which introduces liquid in horizontal direction perpendicular to the direction of lamellar flow by provision of a throat restriction at the point of influx and, where the feed prior to reaching the point of influx flows downwardly in an inverted V-shaped influent chamber, providing said chamber with a baffle extending across one wall of said chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sludge belt method of clarifying a liquid charged with solid material. After a flocculation additive has been added thereto, the charged liquid is conveyed to the bottom of a sludge belt in a clarification chamber (40) via a plurality of injectors (76) spread out over the area of said chamber. The total flow rate through said injectors is evenly distributed between the injectors by an internal head loss. The clarified liquid is removed via an upper overflow (72). Each injector forms jets diverging from its vertical axis, so that the injected flow spreads out over an expansion zone belonging to said injector and meeting the expansion zones of adjacent injectors. In addition, the jets drive vortices which prevent the formation of a layer of sludge having insufficient permeability.

Abstract: An apparatus for distributing a substance over a surface includes a feed compartment which is provided with substance feed means and which is defined by a bottom, a rear wall, two side walls and a front wall forming an overflow. A distribution compartment has a rear wall defined by the overflow, two side walls, a front wall, a bottom and an opening for the substance to flow out. The feed compartment is provided with baffle members to ensure distribution of the substance therein.

Abstract: A liquid distribution system for chemical engineering apparatuses comprises a liquid dividing means and an apertured distribution plate disposed below the liquid dividing means. The peripheries of the apertures in the plate are raised with respect to the surface of the plate.The liquid dividing means may comprise elements such that the liquid flows along an inclined wall to the periphery of the apertured plate and the peripheries of the holes of the plate are raised with respect to its surface, e.g. by using tubes or bar members above the surface or grooves in the surface. The raised portions are provided with grooves or apertures.This system is particularly suitable for absorbers of falling film, block or tube type, and for filled columns.

Abstract: A final clarifier for a sewage treatment plant has a peripheral feed influent channel with lower distribution ports and is also provided with tubes to minimize the headloss in the clarifier. The minimum headloss tubes are set to allow the basin to operate at more than one limiting headloss set point. By increasing the available orifice area at a certain flow rate, a maximum or peak headloss limitation can be achieved without compromising the design (average) headloss.

Abstract: A separator for multiple phase fluids has a unitary fluid separator box formed as a single metal plenary chamber, and alternatively as a simple fluid distribution box of a single plastic form. Each of the single plenum chamber branching channel box has a top fluid constricting support plate and a bottom support plate, with an inlet fluid channel which branches to a first pair of channels having each channel cross section equal to the single inlet channel, the first pair of channels each branching to a second pair of channels, also each having the inlet channel cross section, the second pair of channels can also each have a third pair of channels of outlet channel cross section, and so on. The inlet channel turbulent fluid flow is transformed by multiple dual channel splitting and flow into a substantially laminar fluid flow, allowing phase separations.

Abstract: An apparatus for injecting a slurry containing solids and entrapped air in a fluid carrier into a tank filled with fluid by injecting the slurry into a chamber in a manner to form a vortex so that the solids and fluids are centrifugally forced to the outside of the chamber and the air is centripetally forced to the center axis of the chamber and exhaust out the top. The liquid and solids remaining in the slurry are then transferred to a second location by gravity where the rotation is reduced and the slurry is then dropped out an opening into the fluid filled tank.

Abstract: This invention relates to settlement tank installation for the clarification of liquids particularly water and including an inclined plate assembly for solids removal. The plate assembly comprises a multiplicity of flexible sheets suspended from an upper end and weighted at their lower ends which are located to give the desired angle of inclination to the sheets wherein preferably the upper ends of the sheets are connected to a fixed frame and the lower ends to a movable frame through rods extending across the frame and attached to the sheets.

Abstract: Device for the separation of substances contained in a liquid, when such substances exhibit a density, which is close to the density of the liquid, the device preferably being used for the extraction of fat and protein matters from process water in the food industry.By in vertical direction accelerating and the flow of a liquid containing particles with higher or lower density than the liquid, in which the particles are suspended, and at the same time change the direction of flow, particles heavier than the suspending liquid can settle on the bottom of a vessel (1), from where they can be drawn off, and particles lighter than the suspending liquid are collected on the surface, from where they can be removed by for example skimming.The acceleration and retardation are brought about by changes of areas in a vessel with a guided flow and where the direction of flow, which is substantially vertical, is turned by about 180.degree. at several occasions.

Abstract: A novel vertical decanter is provided comprising a vertical cylindrical vessel with separate inner and outer coaxial concentric conduits that pass down through the central axial flanged inlet in the upper head of the vessel. The mixture of soot-water dispersion and first liquid organic extractant i.e. naphtha is passed through the inner conduit and is discharged through a first horizontal radial nozzle located below the interface level. Simultaneously, the second liquid organic extractant i.e. liquid organic by-products from an oxo or oxyl process is passed through the annular passage between the inner and outer conduits and is discharged through a second horizontal radial nozzle located above the interface level. Adjusting means are provided to vary the discharge height of the second horizontal radial nozzle, up or down should there be a change in location of the interface level.

Abstract: A cylindrical storage tank of large diameter and depth is concentrically surrounded by a settling tank that has a width to internal diameter ratio that provides essentially plug flow. Liquid containing suspended particles capable of separation by settling is introduced into the upper part of a body of liquid in the settling tank at a zero radius of the tank at a controlled rate and flows slowly in both directions around the storage tank to a weir which extends no more than about halfway around the storage tank and is bisected by a 180.degree. radius of the tank. A slurry of particle-laden liquid is drawn from the lower part of the settling tank, and relatively particle-free surface liquid flows over the weir into the storage tank from which it is drained at a controlled rate.

Abstract: Apparatus for mounting in a fluid separation zone for improving the separation of fluids of different densities. The apparatus includes a distributor mounted within the separation zone provided with fluid openings having packing means disposed thereabout.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a flow regulation device for waste waters, characterized in that it comprises a flood-weir constituted by a tubular member of preferably hard synthetic material, i.e., polyester. The tubular member includes an S-shaped channel which is defined by baffles and a profiled discharge wing. A reduction adapter having a tubular tapered element and an overflow member, coupled to the top thereof, is upstream of and coupled to the waste-weir.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for separating cells according to differences in sedimentation velocity comprises a vessel preferably constructed from a cylindrical body of ring formation, the height of which is substantially less than its diameter, and from top and bottom plates sealingly and removably attached to the ring. The vessel is preferably mounted on a tiltable platform for controlled movement between tilted and horizontal positions and has a small horizontal cross-sectional area in the tilted position relative to such area in the horizontal position. The vessel is provided with two ports; a lower port communicating with a lowermost level of the vessel while in the tilted position and an upper port communicating with the uppermost level in the tilted position. Flow distributing structure is provided preferably between each port and the interior of the vessel whereby the force of liquid flowing into the vessel through a port is dissipated.

Abstract: A complete system for removing oil from produced water and deck drain fluids in an offshore facility includes a surge settler which receives the produced water from a three-phase separator. In the surge settler, the produced water flows crosswise through a corrugated plate assembly to separate free oil and solids from the produced water. A portion of the produced water which is relatively free of solid particles (less than 50 microns) is then treated in a water washer with a portion which is relatively rich in solid particles further treated in a solids cleaner. In the water washer 90% or more oil droplets (less than 50 microns) is removed from the produced water and the relatively oil free water is then disposed by way of a skim pile. A portion of fluid from the water washer is further treated in a high efficiency skimmer.

Abstract: In an apparatus for efficiently and thoroughly cleaning tramp oil and contaminants from machine coolant; a tank 12 having three compartments 32, 52 and 66 with a quietener baffle 58 located between the first compartment 32 and the main compartment 52, a torturous path between the main compartment 52 and the clean coolant storage compartment 66, and an agglomeration baffle 76 between the main and storage compartments 52, 66, respectively, is provided. Further, the flow quietener baffle 76 is arranged within the tank 12 so that material flowing from the first compartment 32 to the main compartment 52 will flow generally down the quietener baffle 58 and arrive in the main compartment 52, substantially at the level of the interface 46 between the floating light material 42 and the heavy material 44 with a minimum of disturbance to interface 46. Rapid and complete floatation of oily material containing heavy contaminants is achieved by the addition of aeration bubbles 62 within the first compartment 32.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for separating coarse sand particles from fine sand particles in a slurry of sand and a solution such as results from the solvent extraction of tar sand, such method comprising causing flow of such slurry in a generally horizontal direction and then causing upward flow at a rate such that coarse particles settle out and fine particles move upwardly to a slurry outlet. The apparatus preferably comprises a tubular duct for downward flow, bottom openings in the duct for outward flow, a lower receptacle for coarse particles and an annular space surrounding the duct for upward flow of slurry of solution and fine sand particles.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and a plant for separating immiscible liquids.The apparatus includes a cylindrical tank (1) wherein there are provided a separation chamber (2), a heavy liquid phase collecting chamber (3) and a light liquid phase collecting chamber (4), said chambers being separated by a partition in the shape of a funnel (5) opening at its top in the collecting chamber (4) and by radial partitions (6 and 7) which separate the two collecting chambers, the tank (1) moreover containing a toroidal distributor (10) provided with holes (11) directed upwardly and located in the separation chamber (2) at the bottom of funnel (5), as well as a toroidal header (13) arranged at the bottom of said chamber and provided with a vertical riser (15) which opens into the upper portion of the heavy phase collecting chamber (3).

Abstract: Arrays of baffles are disposed in apparatus for distributing a composite liquid to the separation passages of a multi-plate laminar separation apparatus to decelerate the influent composite liquid and repeatedly deflect its direction of flow such that it is uniformly distributed to the separation passages in the apparatus.

Abstract: A decanter for decanting a fluid charged with solid particles, said decanter comprising a first decanting tank (1.degree.) equipped with a sludge scraper system (4, 5, 6, 7) to scrape the sludge at the bottom of the tank said decanter having at least one second sludge bed type tank (12 ), at least one side wall (13) of the second tank being inclined and one wall (2) thereof being common with said first tank, said common wall having a first set of openings (14) located near its bottom and thus forming a first communication path with the first tank, and a second set of openings (15) at a higher level, said second set of openings forming a second communication path with the first tank, the decanter being fed with fluid via a manifold (17) located at the top of the second tank, this manifold being pierced with a plurality of holes (18) to which pipes (19) are connected which go down into the neighborhood of the bottom of said second tank.

Abstract: A device for cleaning livestock dipping solution which includes means for pumping contaminated solution from a livestock dipping vat to a tank with settling compartments, the first of which has a deflector pan into which the entering solution is directed to prevent disturbance of settled materials and the last of which comprises a pair of removable screens for trapping animal hair and removing the hair while one screen remains in place. The solution is constantly cleaned and recycled through the vat resulting in the elimination of the need to manually clean the dipping vat. Cleanout pipes in each compartment, elevating means, gravity flow, and a security cover are also provided.

Abstract: In liquid sedimentation and clarification apparatus recirculation of previously settled solids is automatically controlled. Nozzles in an updraft tube produce a suction or pumping force for recirculating such solids, and a flow passage in alternate nozzles is kept closed at low inlet flow rates for untreated liquid. At higher flow rates the closed flow passages are gradually opened by the increased force of the incoming liquid acting against spring biased or weighted valve closure members.

Abstract: In order to achieve improved collection of sludge in a settling basin, without employing moving parts, a collecting trough is provided, this trough being open at the top and bounded on the sides by horizontal overflow-weirs and being intended to rest on the bottom of the basin. A line, located level with the bottom of the collecting trough, issues from the trough and runs to a suction pump. The trough is covered by a hood which widens towards the bottom and leaves an unobstructed interspace between itself and the overflow-weirs, this hood possessing openings which lie at a lower level than the overflow-weirs.

Abstract: In an apparatus for settling solid particulate matter apart from a fluid flow, a combination of fluid flow quieteners (30, 40) is provided. One of the fluid flow quieteners (30) includes an inlet baffle (32) having staggered, spaced-apart, generally trapezoidal-shaped openings therein (33), an end plate (35), and channel (36) defined by the inlet baffle (32), the end plate (35), and a side (37) of the tank. Another quietener (40) positioned near the bottom (18) of the tank (10) includes a pair of spaced-apart wall members (43, 44). Arranged between the wall members (43, 44) are a first generally upwardly sloping baffle (45) and a second baffle (46) positioned substantially normal to the first baffle (45). The second baffle (46) has spaced-apart openings (48) therein. A flow rate adjusting means (49) is positioned apart from and generally above the second baffle (46).

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for the treatment of a liquid flowing substantially horizontally in a tank from an inlet area to an outlet area to make it possible to impose on the flow of the liquid, in a treatment area of the tank, a distribution of predetermined speeds according to the treatment. The liquid is introduced into the inlet area or is discharged from the outlet area in distinct streams on which is imposed a variable but predetermined rate of flow, depending on their location and the distribution of speeds which it is wished to impose on the liquid in the treatment area.

Abstract: A gas scrubbing tower is described which has a top region, a sump region and at least two washing stages between these regions. The tower comprises gas entry means between the the sump region and the lowermost of the washing stages; gas exit means in the top region; a first washing stage, in the direction of gas flow through the tower, constituted by a layer of packing elements resting on supporting means in a cross-sectional plane; a first circulating line for wash liquid from the sump region to the layer of packing elements; a second, packing-free washing stage above the first washing stage; a second circulating line for conducting wash liquid through the second washing stage; a sludge separator, and conduit means for introducing water from outside the tower into a washing stage or into the sludge separator of the tower.A process for operating the scrubbing tower is also described.

Abstract: An internally baffled, horizontal flow, vertical oil separator or skimmer for the flotation and removal of oil from mixtures of oil and water has internal baffles that compel horizontal flow of a vertically elongated cross-section of fluid in the vertical vessel. The skimmer is of particular utility on offshore platforms where deck space is extremely expensive and limited.

Abstract: A sedimentation apparatus or clarifier or thickener is advantageously provided with an annular feedwell and associated annular concentric baffle plate to better enable suspended solid materials to be separated from liquids at high throughputs.

Abstract: A sedimentation tank having a central feedwell comprising upper and lower cylindrical channels or raceways for receiving the influent feed in split counter rotative streams wherein an intermediate raceway is provided between the upper and lower channels for receiving a flocculant for mixing with the influent feed in the shear zone where the split streams remerge.

Abstract: An oil separator for use at the scene of an oil spill, featuring a tank divided by imperforate bulkheads into a folded, horizontal flow path, the flow path being further divided by perforate baffles through which the flow passes, the baffles having apertures selected to pass debris but also provide wave damping and evening of flow velocities.

Abstract: A waste disposal system provides a mixing stage where waste matter is water-charged, the water charged mixture is then steam exploded by being sprayed onto a white hot surface in a chamber with only one outlet where the expansion on vaporization forces the vapor out through a chemical spray stage; next a vertical-filter stage removes and gravitationally drains coarse filtrate and finally a horizontal filter stage treats the vapor in the presence of a counterwash spray of fresh water before the vapor is released into the atmosphere; recirculation of the material filtered and treating materials is provided.

Abstract: Devices to remove polluting components from waste liquids are usually designed to operate satisfactorily as long as the input flow rate remains less than some maximum allowed value. Greater flow rates will cause inadequate purification and resulting downstream pollution, as well as possible damage to the device. An emergency overflow weir may be provided to divert excessive input flow into a buffer vessel or alternative discharge channel. The weir will divert a part of the excess flow, but the remainder will pass through the device; the relative portions depend on the relative flow resistance of the weir and of the device, respectively. The present invention enhances the flow resistance of the device when the flow rate through it is greater than the maximum allowed value, so that a greater fraction of the excess flow will be diverted by the emergency overflow weir.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating a mixture of liquids of different specific gravities, e.g. oil and water, comprising a vessel containing a settling chamber and associated with conduits for the supply of mixture to be separated and the separate discharges of the components of the mixture, respectively, and with means to suppress completely or to reduce considerably turbulences occurring in the settling chamber.

Abstract: A boiler feedwater conditioning tank for removing mud, iron and any other settleable solids from boiler feedwater and adding soluble chemicals to the same, wherein the feedwater is mixed and heated by passing the mixture down and around and up into and through a system of concentric open-ended standpipes erected within the tank. The outlet for clean feedwater lies at the top of the tank inside the upper end of the inner standpipe, and the inlets for the same lie distributively around the outside of the outer standpipe at the bottom thereof. The input port for chemicals lies in the tank side walls and steam heating coils lie between the outer standpipe and the wall of the tank in the path of convective flow of feedwater up between the same.

Abstract: An assembly for separating particulate matter from an influent carrier comprises a perforated plate for separating an inner compartment from an outer compartment, and for transferring the influent between the inner and outer compartment with a minimum amount of a convective momentum that is associated with disturbing the settling matter. In practicing the process, suspensions are introduced into the assembly at the inner compartment. An agitator subassembly, within the inner compartment, sequentially fast mixes and slow mixes the influent to respectively insure mixing of the influent with additives and to promote agglomeration of the suspensions. Flow paths in the perforated plate function to cancel all velocity components of the momentum, except for vertical downward acting velocity components, thereby maximizing the rate of settlementation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a continuous flow gravitational separator having inclined membrane baffles therein which separates solid particles and also foam from a suspension liquid. A rectangular membrane assembly with a plurality of parallel inclined flexible membranes is received in a cylindrical tank, thereby defining four vertically extending arc-shaped compartments or segments between the membrane assembly and the wall of the tank. The tank has a funnel shaped bottom solids outlet and oppositely located inflow and outflow segments are connected respectively to the liquid inlet and outlet. The liquid flow across the inclined compartments between the membranes is distributed evenly by vertical inflow and outflow distributor plates. The solid particles settle along the inclined membranes to a solids receiving segment, while the foam rises along the membranes to an oppositely located foam receiving segment.